Tripod Tips

[Matt]

So, what tripod do you use with that head?

[ApproachingLight]

Matt, pretty certain it is the same one you have, the 190. It does 98% of what I need. Suppose on loose sloped surfaces I might want something more stable, but then you have to lug it around.

You like the 190?

[Kelly]

i have a decent tripod, though not great. what i like most is the ball head pistol grip.
when i get a good one, the first head i will get is a good ball head pistol grip. anything else is too much bother.

[hobkyl]

Kelly-Sunpak?

[Kelly]

yes, this is the one I have.

http://reviews.bestbuy.com/3545/9448323 ... eviews.htm

I don't know if this model is even available anymore. It suits my limited needs for a tripod just fine. Anyone who uses one all the time would probably not find it adequate.

[ApproachingLight]

Tripod review in hopes this helps someone else.

Old: Mafrotto 190 tripod; Monfrotto 488 ball head

New: Same tripod; Really Right Stuff BH-40 ballhead.

Short Notes: You can see size difference, obviously weight follows size. What is super obvious to me is ease of use.The 488 camera plate attachment is so heavy and awkward you would never keep it on your camera (488 picture shows camera plate on the ballhead, but huge set knob is underneath). The RRS plate is small and light. It stays right on the camera all the time. With cold hands i honestly struggled many many times to get the six sided Manfrotto camera plate in place on the ball head; the RRS slides on, lever closed in 1-2 seconds. Last is the precision. These two don't compare. I feel like a geek how i admire the construction.

RRS: ordered both parts-ballhead and camera plate. Camera plate did not arrive. Called and emailed. They profusely apologized and 2 day aired the camera plate (at no further cost) with a follow up email to be sure I was good. Not bad service in all the xmas shuffle.

[Matt]

6 sided plate? odd... how old is it?

[ApproachingLight]

Gosh don't know. Must be at least 5-7 years old i'm guessing. It is a clunky thing.